Carina Paganini Damm (born February 16, 1979) is a Brazilian mixed martial artist who competes in the Bantamweightdivision and has fought for Strikeforce, BodogFIGHT, Shark Fights, Titan FC and Jungle Fight.
Damm began practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu at age 15 and later learned Capoeira.
Her first professional fight took place in 2004 in her home state, Espírito Santo, where she won via armbar.
Her first fight on foreign soil took place in 2006 in Japan where she defeated home favourite Miku Matsumoto via armbar.
However, a month later, she lost a rematch with Matsumoto via unanimous decision.
In May 2008, Damm became the first woman in MMA to test positive for steroids as she was found to have taken nandrolone, an anabolic steroid, after her second round submission of Sofia Bagherdai at FFF 4 in April.
As a result, the California State Athletic Commission fined her $2500 and suspended her for one year.
Damm continued to fight in her native Brazil, fighting for organisations such as Bitetti and Jungle Fight while her suspension in the United States ran its course.
In 2010, it was speculated that Damm would make her debut for Bellator, however Damm signed with Strikeforce to take part in a 4-woman tournament.
Damm lost in semi-final via second-round submission.
Damm fought twice more in the United States, falling to Cat Zingano and Tara LaRosa, before deciding to go back to Brazil to fight, where she quickly won two straight via submission.
In 2013, Damm fought Jessica Eye in Cleveland, Ohio, however it was determined that Damm had submitted a fake urine sample prior to the fight.
The Ohio Athletic Commission fined Damm $550 and suspended her for six months.
In 2016, Damm made her debut for Titan FC, defeating Sarah Alpar via unanimous decision.
Damm is the sister of retired UFC fighter Rodrigo Damm.
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